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Description

For full-sized performance, it was hard to beat Chevy's Impala, and when it's dressed in red like this 1965 SS convertible, it makes a first-class cruiser with room for the whole gang. There are 327 cubic inches under the hood, a bunch of desirable options including factory A/C, and a classic, grown-up look that will make this a favorite car for cruise nights.

This car was originally Cameo Beige, so it's easy to see why bright red was selected when the time came for a repaint. A car like this deserves something a little flashier and the vivid paint job serves it well. The '65 Impalas were redesigned to make them longer, lower, and sleeker, with simplified lines and minimalist trim to give them a more up-to-date look. Finish quality is quite good, and a professional cut and buff would really make this car sizzle, but even as it sits, you can see that the gaps are very good, the sheetmetal is straight, and the whole car has a very cared-for look. Bright chrome was still in fashion, but they took it easy on the stuff, giving it a simple grille, shiny bumpers, but not much else. And, of course, the Impala still had six taillights out back making it easy to recognize when it blew past you.

The tan interior is the car's original combination and works quite well with the bright red bodywork. Bucket seats and a console are always an ultra-cool addition to a luxury car and once you're behind the wheel, the car has a very sporting feel. Loaded with options such as factory A/C, power windows, and a tilt steering column, this is a no-compromises cruiser and someone added a period cruise control unit just to the left of the steering wheel. The console houses a very cool clock and elegant chrome shifter lever, with the controls for the AM/FM Multiplex radio just above it. The seat covers are in good shape save for a bit of fading (it's a convertible, after all) but things like the dash pad and door panels are in excellent condition and the carpets are protected by matching rubber mats. A white power convertible top offers a glass rear window and the giant trunk shows off clean floors and a period jack assembly.

Chevy's venerable 327 cubic inch V8 provides enough power for this Imp to earn its SS badges. With a fairly original look, it has been maintained, not restored, but the Chevy Orange paint on the block remains vivid and the engine bay shows signs of regular care. New components include belts, hoses, and a fresh alternator, and there's a 4-barrel carburetor under the original air cleaner. Power steering and brakes mean this big sled is easy to handle on the streets and a TH350 3-speed automatic makes it easy to drive anywhere. The dual exhaust has a nice rumble to it, loud enough to remind you that Chevy was still making horsepower, but not so loud that it makes you forget this is a luxury car. The unrestored chassis shows signs of care and clean living in a warm climate and the ride of a car like this is simply amazing. Sporty Rally wheels are fitted with 235/70/15 Uniroyal blackwall radials that fill the wheel wells properly.

These big Impalas always offered first-class accommodations, but with the great looks and sporting aspirations of the SS upgrades, there's a little something here for the guy who likes to drive, too. Call today!